Adult Learning through E-Learning Platforms in The Face of Covid-19 Pandemic: An Overview of China and Selected African Countries

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue VII, July 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Adult Learning through E-Learning Platforms in The Face of Covid-19 Pandemic: An Overview of China and Selected African Countries

Chidinma Dokubo, Kelvin Chinweikpe Wami
Department of Adult Education and Community Development Faculty of Education, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: This paper discussed on the issue of adult learning through E-learning platforms in the face of the corona virus disease (COVID – 19) pandemic. The paper focused on four countries that explored various E-learning platforms as a result of the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic; namely- China, Nigeria, Malawi and South Africa. From the study was discovered that E-learning is globally accepted as a positive force contributing to adult learning using different applications and processes which include web-based learning, computer based learning, virtual education opportunities and digital collaboration. The adverse effect of this global plague has prompted countries that are conscious of their education sector to be innovative. Based on the study, the following facts were noted- as a result of the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, there is a high rate of anxiety, depression globally. Also, harmful drugs and alcohol abuses are now rampant. This work recommends that the Chinese government should implement multi-faceted approach that is, forming multi-disciplinary mental health team, providing psychiatric treatments and other mental health services, utilizing online counseling platforms, rehabilitation programs and ensuring certain care for vulnerable people. The Nigeria Federal Ministry of Education should devise more effective e-learning strategies, education interactive platforms for adult learners and to create an enabling e-learning environment for effective instructions. Malawi as one of the developing nations in the world should improve in the current online learning measures that are already in place as to get to the use of rural populace in Malawi. The government of South-Africa should design and make more available alternative contextualized cost-effective learning delivery channels that could outline COVID-19 pandemic.

Key words: Adult learning, E-learning, COVID-19, pandemic.

I. INTRODUCTION

E-learning is a process of extending learning to locations away from classroom to another learning centres by using different types of technology such as video, computer, audio, and other multimedia communications (Mason, 2002). E-learning is refers to online learning or online education, it is a process that allows technology to facilitate learning anytime and anywhere. It serves as a specific medium to implement the adult learning process, the teaching and learning can be based in or out of the classroom with the use of computer and the internet.

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